Knowing what you can expect during the DUI court process is crucial if you face DUI charges in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Please continue reading, then contact an experienced Allegheny County DUI lawyer for more information on this process and how we can help you prepare.
How the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania conducts the DUI Court Process
You can expect to go through the following steps when you face a DUI court process in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
- A preliminary hearing: Initiated by the police officer who is filing a criminal complaint against you in front of a District Judge, the purpose of this preliminary hearing is to ascertain whether or not the Commonwealth can establish enough evidence to send your case to Common Pleas Court for trial. The Commonwealth is required to prove that it is more likely than not that a crime had been committed. Additionally, the Commonwealth will need to prove that it is more likely than not that you are the individual who committed the crime.
- Formal arraignment: If all or some of the charges are held for court, you will be required to attend a formal arraignment.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Along with your defense attorney, you will meet with the prosecutor against your DUI case to decide on the date for your case to proceed to trial.
- Trial date: On your trial date where you will be expected to proceed to trial, one of three things can occur:
- You can proceed to trial with either a non-jury or a jury trial.
- You may negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor.
- The case may be postponed due to one of the parties being unable to proceed to trial on that date. The case will be withdrawn by the prosecutor or dismissed by the Judge if the Commonwealth is unable or unwilling to proceed.
- Sentencing: If you are convicted or plead guilty, you will be able to ask the Court for a pre-sentence report to postpone sentencing for approximately 90 days. Alternately, you may waive your right to the presentence report and ask the Judge to impose the sentence straight away. Then, you will serve your sentence.
It is necessary to retain the services of George A. Heym, Esq. if you are facing an upcoming DUI court process. He has the requisite knowledge and experience to fight for your rights in the courtroom. Do not hesitate to contact our legal team today for more information about our firm and how we can help you.
Contact Our Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
The Law Office of George Heym focuses exclusively on DUI defense. George Heym is a former Allegheny County DUI prosecutor with an understanding of both sides of a DUI case, notable litigation experience, and relationships with local courts. Contact our firm to fight for your rights.
